Q: What is a text message (SMS)?

SMS stands for Short Message Service, and it is synonymous with text message, text, TXT, etc. An SMS (text message) is a short message, which can be sent to and from a cellular phone.

Q: Can my phone receive text messages?

Nearly all phones purchased in the last ten years are capable of sending and receiving text messages.

Q: What is the advantage of using text messaging?

Text messages are a brief, effective, inexpensive means of communication. Most people carry their cellular phones with them wherever they go, so unlike email, text messages can reach people when they are away from their desks.

Q: Can you guarantee delivery of every text message that I send?

No. As text messaging is a store-and-forward technology that is dependent on carriers and their networks, it is impossible to guarantee delivery of a text message.

Q: Can I change the number or set a name from which you send my text messages?

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to send a message from a name as phone calls and text messages always come from phone numbers. There are two different kinds of phone numbers: regular ten-digit numbers like the one you have on your cell phone, and short coded, which are special five- or six-digit numbers like ours. For a message to appear from a name it must be stored in your phone’s address book. You will notice when you receive a call or text message from a person who is not in your phone book, it appears as their ten-digit number (not a name), since it is not stored in your phone. The same applies to a short code.

Questions About EZ Texting's SMS Marketing ServiceQ: How much do text messages cost to send using EZ Texting?

Text messages cost 5 cents per message (7 cents in Canada). If sending 1,000 text messages, the cost is $50 ($70 in Canada) on the Pay & Go plan. We do not charge for Incoming messages. Please see our Pricing page for complete details.

Q: Do you charge any fees? Do I need to sign a monthly contract?

EZ Texting will never charge you any fees, or require you to sign a contract. When you open an EZ Texting account it is set to the Pay & Go plan. Once you use up the free credits in your account, you can purchase credits to pay for the texts you wish to send.

In addition to our Pay & Go plan, we offer monthly plans, which include discounted messages and Keywords. Please see our Pricing page for complete details.

Q: How long can I save my purchased Credits?

Unused purchased credits expire 18 months after their purchase date. If you are on a monthly plan, your credits reset at the end of each billing period.

Q: What about to my personal mobile phone?

Q: Can I use my EZ Texting account to send group/bulk text messages?

Yes! That is exactly what your EZ Texting account is for. We allow you to create and sort your contacts into lists in order to send group/bulk messages with the click of a button.

Q: Can I receive replies to the group text messages that I send?

Yes. They will be delivered to your EZ Texting inbox as long as the reply is received within twelve hours of your original text. If you'd like, you can have us forward your replies to your cell phone or your email address.

Q: Can I send a single text message?

Yes. Instead of selecting a group of contacts, enter a single telephone number when you compose your message.

Q: How do I purchase credits?

If you are logged into your EZ Texting account, all you need to do is click the link labeled "Buy More Credits." You will be taken to our secure payment server. You will be asked to fill out a short form. Your payment will be processed and the credits will be added to your account instantaneously. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Q: How many characters may I include in a text message?

SMS messages are limited to 160 characters. This includes numbers, spaces, symbols, and punctuation.

Q: How long does it take to deliver a text message?

Text messages are usually delivered to mobile phones within a few seconds to a few minutes. During peak hours, there could be a short delay. Please note that additional delays may occur if the recipient's phone is turned off or is outside of the coverage area. When this happens, a carrier will attempt to deliver your message for up to 72 hours.

Q: Does EZ Texting limit me to a certain number of text messages?

No. As long as you do not violate our Anti-Spam Policy, you may send as many text messages as you pay for.

Q: Why did some of my contacts not receive a text that I sent them?

First, please confirm that the recipient has text messaging enabled with his or her carrier. If your recipient uses a pre-paid mobile phone service, his or her balance may be too low (assuming he or she pays for incoming text messages). Other reasons may include (but are not limited to): a recipient's phone being out of memory, a recipient's phone being out of network, or an incorrectly typed number.

Q: Do I pay for text messages that my recipients do not receive?

Yes. We charge you one credit every time our system sends a text message on your behalf, as we are charged every time we pass your message through our SMS gateway.

Q: What is a Keyword?

A Keyword is a unique term (letters and/or numbers) that people can use to communicate with you via a short code.

Q: How do Keywords work?

Consider the following scenario. You purchase a keyword (such as "MRXYZ") from us, which we will set up on one of our shared short codes (such as 313131). Your friends and customers can then send a message containing the Keyword MRXYZ to 313131 to automatically join your group messaging list. Our software will automatically respond to them, with a customizable message confirming that they have joined ("opted-in" to) your group SMS list.

Q: Can I have any Keyword I want? Are there any limitations?

As long as the Keyword you want is available, you can register it through your account panel. You can use any combination of letters and numbers.

Q: Are there rules for how I can promote my Keyword online or in print?

According to carrier guidelines you must include the following information:

Q: Why would I need more than one Keyword?

If you're running multiple campaigns targeting different groups of people, you may want to use different Keywords to segment those groups -- or perhaps to segment the performance of different advertisements. You may also be running different sorts of campaigns, such as opt-in campaigns, contest campaigns, and polling campaigns.

Q: What is a Short Code?

A short code is a five- or six-digit number to which text messages can be sent from a mobile phone. Wireless subscribers send text messages to short codes to access a wide variety of mobile content. Common short codes are easy to remember and are compatible across all participating carriers.

Q: Where is my data stored? How do you protect my data?

When you create an EZ Texting account, we store your information on our secure database server. No one has access to your data (your personal information and your contacts). If you would like to share the data in your account with someone else, you may choose to provide them with your login information.

Our database server is co-located at a data center that is secured via multiple perimeter access systems and fire-proof heavy-duty doors. The data center is equipped with 24x7x365 live video surveillance and multiple level independent fire-suppression systems. The data center is staffed 24x7x365.

Q: Who owns my data?

You own your data. We will never contact the people on your lists, nor will we do anything else with your data without your consent.

Q: How long does it take to get started?

Register now, and you'll be texting in less than five minutes. We provide you with ten message credits (which equate to ten text messages) to try out the software. There are no upfront fees, and you are not required to provide a credit card until you decide to purchase credits.

Q: Do I need to posses any technical knowledge/skills?

No! EZ Texting's group SMS text messaging software is designed to be simple. Our system is so intuitive that you'll be a pro in no time. If you do run into problems just contact support and our friendly team will assist you.

Q: What do I need to use EZ Texting?

All you need is a computer and an Internet connect. Our software is completely web-based, so there is nothing to download. You can use a PC, a Mac, or any other computer -- EZ Texting will work on any system.

Q What is a username?

When you create an EZ Texting account you will be asked to choose a username. It will be your identity on our website, and, if you choose, it will display as the sender on when your messages are delivered to your contacts. You will use your username along with a password (which you will set), to log into and access the website.

Q: Where Does EZ Texting Work?

EZ Texting works in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada. An individual account can only send messages to a single country. If you need to send messages to both the US and Canada, please create two accounts. Click here for US pricing and here for Canadian pricing.

Q: Will you send advertisements via text message to my contacts?

No. We will never send messages (including advertising) to your contacts.

Q: Is my list of contacts secure? How do you protect my privacy?

Your contacts are kept in strict confidentiality. We do not share, rent, or sell the contacts belonging to our clients with any third parties. Data (including contacts) that you enter in your account belongs to you, and you alone.

Q: Why do you ask me for my phone number when I register?

We require this information for security reasons. It is necessary for us to confirm that you are who you say you are, and that the number you provide is in fact your own.

Q: Do I need to know the provider of my contacts?

No. Our software will automatically determine your contacts' providers. All you need to do is add them to your list by entering them manually or uploading a list.

Q: Can I collect numbers on my website?

Yes. We provide you with an HTML signup widget that you can place on your website, Facebook page, and email templates.

Q: How do I upload my contacts?

You may upload your contacts in any of three formats: Excel file, CSV file, or text file.

Q: I own a website and I would like to provide text messaging services.

New to group MMS messaging? Check out the frequently-asked questions below.

Q: What is MMS?

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. While SMS limits a sender to 160 characters of plain text, MMS allows for the delivery of media files, like images, videos, and audio. MMS is also capable of delivering text messages up to 1,600 characters in length.

Q: What types of files can I send?

For images, you’re able to send image up to 5MB and we'll automatically optimize your image for delivery when sending. For video and audio, you may send files up to 500kb.

Q: Can I receive MMS messages in my EZ Texting account?

Yes, you can receive MMS messages in your EZ Texting account. Incoming MMS messages may be received as replies or in combination with your Keyword.